Honoring Kamehameha Pai‘ea
Every June 11th, no matter what day of the week it falls on, Kohala celebrates and honor our King. People from around Hawai‘i state gather at the northern tip of the big island of Hawai‘i to honor Kamehameha Pai‘ea, the chief who united the Hawaiian islands in 1795.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai‘i, but for the community of North Kohala it is extra special. This is Kamehameha's ‘Āina Hānau, place of birth. The generational family lines of this area played a prominent role in saving this infant.
This year's theme is Eō Ke Ali'i Hulu Mamo 'O Kamehameha. The Royal yellow feathers of Kamehameha.
In our Hawaiian culture, feather cloaks, helmets, kāhili and leis, were symbols of royalty. It signified their heavenly power and high rank. As mother's we are always thinking ahead for our child(ren). We are nurturers as well as protectors. When she discovered that she was with child, she had a special knowing of who her child would grow up to be. So she set out and went into the village to seek the kia manu, bird catchers and hulu practitioners, to commission them to make an 'ahu'ula made completely of only yellow feathers. It is, to one day signify his heavenly power and rank. She knew then the significance of this 'ahu'ula and with each feather bundle holding prayers, of strength and protection, that would be needed for the battles ahead.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai‘i, but for the community of North Kohala it is extra special. This is Kamehameha's ‘Āina Hānau, place of birth. The generational family lines of this area played a prominent role in saving this infant.
This year's theme is Eō Ke Ali'i Hulu Mamo 'O Kamehameha. The Royal yellow feathers of Kamehameha.
In our Hawaiian culture, feather cloaks, helmets, kāhili and leis, were symbols of royalty. It signified their heavenly power and high rank. As mother's we are always thinking ahead for our child(ren). We are nurturers as well as protectors. When she discovered that she was with child, she had a special knowing of who her child would grow up to be. So she set out and went into the village to seek the kia manu, bird catchers and hulu practitioners, to commission them to make an 'ahu'ula made completely of only yellow feathers. It is, to one day signify his heavenly power and rank. She knew then the significance of this 'ahu'ula and with each feather bundle holding prayers, of strength and protection, that would be needed for the battles ahead.
Photo by Anna Pacheco Photography
Small Town, Big Celebration
Although North Kohala is a small community, each year on June 11th the community puts forth a large grassroots effort to present a full day of celebration and tribute to King Kamehameha I. Visitors are welcome to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa‘au to take part of this unique local event.
Driving directions
Getting to Kohala from Kona
Drive north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (19) to Kawaihae Road intersection. Turn left after 1 mile, veer right onto Hwy 270 (Akoni Pule Highway) for the 20-mile coast drive to Hawi and Kapa'au.
Getting to Kohala from Hilo
Drive north on the Mamalahoa Hwy (19) through Waimea. Veer right onto the Kohala Mountain Road (250) for the 20-mile mountain drive to Hawi or Kapa'au.
Drive north on Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (19) to Kawaihae Road intersection. Turn left after 1 mile, veer right onto Hwy 270 (Akoni Pule Highway) for the 20-mile coast drive to Hawi and Kapa'au.
Getting to Kohala from Hilo
Drive north on the Mamalahoa Hwy (19) through Waimea. Veer right onto the Kohala Mountain Road (250) for the 20-mile mountain drive to Hawi or Kapa'au.